SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Iconic Royers Cafe in downtown Round Top is as flavorful inside as it is interesting outside.
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Photo by Whitney Faske
Round Top: Where Everything Can Be Elevated to an Art Form, Even Relaxation By Kathy Johnston
On any given
weekend, a stop in the quaint central Texas town of Round Top will treat its visitors to a surprising amount of activity. The town, located on State Highway 237 half way between Brenham and La Grange, is reputed to be among the smallest incorporated cities in Texas with a population of 90. This historical treasure is at once charming in its authenticity and a surprisingly exciting place to be, when one experiences it fully. For, what could easily be just a sleepy, don’t blink or you’ll miss it, point in the road has now become a destination and center for arts and diverse fun. So, slow down at the flashing yellow light that marks arrival at the town’s square with its historic courthouse, and turn in to
experience most of the action. Round Top offers virtually something for everyone from beer and wine festivals to Shakespeare, and music - from classical to hoe-down, traditional polkas and classic rock. Well-known for its twice annual (Fall & Spring) antique fairs that span miles and attract thousands, there’s lots more to enjoy in the interim periods. There are five art galleries including one that has featured works by internationally known watercolorists, underscoring the fact that Round Top has truly become an artful destination. Others feature everything from folk art, top quality western art, to craft as art, as well as traditional media. For a one-square mile town, there is also a wide variety of shops tucked on the Square, and around it in historic Henkel Square Market, and Bybee Square. One can locate
everything from antiques, quality gifts, fashionable clothing, lovely jewelry, and home decor, both sophisticated and ranch-like; and there’s not a ‘kitschy’ tee shirt in sight; how refreshing. Round Top’s German heritage is noticeable even today as architectural controls have preserved many of the town’s earliest structures. Not to be missed are such original homes as can be found on the grounds of the Round Top Inn, the historic Bethlemem Lutheran Church, and the Round Top Library’s Rummel House. Many of the structures on Bybee Square and Henkel Square are original to Round Top, or the nearby area. It’s nice to see that so much has not only been preserved, but given new life in such charming ways. If you haven’t arrived hungry, after your walk about, you will be. So don’t travel any further because within two See Round Top, Next Page